History

History cannot give us a programme for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves and of our common humanity, so that we can better face the future – Robert Penn Warren

History, at its core, is the study of human existence. It examines how individuals and societies interact, respond to events, and shape the world around them. However, history is much more than a collection of past events; it is an exploration of causes and consequences, the significance of individuals, and the lasting impact of decisions made throughout time.

At Harris Academy Falconwood, our approach to History is rooted in the academy-wide ethos: "Knowledge is Power, We Make it Stick." We provide students with a broad and diverse historical education, spanning every inhabited continent. This ensures that our students not only develop an understanding of global history but also gain a deeper appreciation of their own historical journey—be it personal, cultural, or religious. We aim to reflect the community that we exist within and tie the stories of ‘us’ together in our history curriculum.

Through our curriculum, students acquire essential skills to make sense of the world around them. They will engage with key historical concepts, including change and continuity, similarity and difference, cause and consequence, significance, source evaluation, and interpretation. Our knowledge-rich curriculum introduces students to fundamental themes such as monarchy, democracy, colonisation, empire, religion, political power, rebellion, economic development, technological change, and propaganda.

Furthermore, as a department, we recognise the vital role we play in fostering literacy through exposure to academic language, the study of etymology, and extensive practice in extended writing.  At Harris Academy Falconwood, History is not just about studying the past—it is about understanding the present and shaping the future.

Key Stages of Study

Key Stage 3: Building Historical Foundations

At Key Stage 3, students engage with a wide range of knowledge-rich and thought-provoking topics, with each year group focusing on a central historical theme:

• Year 7 – “How does Power shift in the Creation of Modern Britain?”
  Students explore the foundations of British history, from early invasions before 1066 to the evolution of power in medieval England. They also study the significance of the Silk Road, the role of religion in shaping modern England, local history in Greenwich, and the complexities of the British Empire, considering whether it should be celebrated or criticised.
• Year 8 – “How does struggle change power in global history?”
  This year encourages students to analyse how individuals and groups have influenced history. They examine interpretations of pre-colonial African kingdoms, the abolition of slavery, and the US Civil Rights Movement. They also explore the experiences of African Britons, Britain’s transformation into a nation of migration, and how different groups have fought for equality throughout the 20th century.
• Year 9 – “How does conflict lead to change in the 20^th Century?”
  Students investigate the impact of war and political upheaval, exploring Britain’s experience of warfare from 1914 to 1945, the dramatic changes in Russia during the 20th century, and personal stories from the Holocaust. They also examine the Cold War and its impact on the continents of South America, Africa and Asia.

Key Stage 4: GCSE History

At GCSE, we follow the Edexcel course, which provides students with a deep and analytical understanding of key historical periods and themes. The topics studied include:

• Crime and Punishment – A 1,000-year journey through the evolution of law, order, and justice in Britain.
• Germany 1918–1939 – The rise and fall of democracy in Germany and the emergence of the Nazi dictatorship.
• The Spanish Conquest of the Americas – An exploration of how Spanish expansion shaped the ‘New World.’
• Queen Elizabeth I’s Early Reign – The challenges, triumphs, and controversies of one of Britain’s most iconic rulers.

Key Stage 5: A-Level History

Our A-Level curriculum is designed to challenge students with complex historical narratives, equipping them with the skills necessary for further academic study.

• Year 12 – Communist States: The Soviet Union and the People’s Republic of China
  Students analyse the development of communist rule in two of the most significant nations of the 20th century, evaluating the political, social, and economic changes under leaders such as Lenin, Stalin, Mao, and Deng Xiaoping.
• Year 13 – Britain: Gaining and Losing an Empire & The Origins of the Cold War
  Students examine the expansion and decline of the British Empire, assessing its global impact. They also engage in independent coursework, critically evaluating the origins of the Cold War.

Please view Curriculum Maps below:

KS3 + KS4 Curriculum Maps

KS5 Curriculum Maps